Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to legendary Bengali actor Uttam Kumar on his birth centenary, remembering him as a timeless icon whose performances continue to connect with audiences across generations. Widely known as "Mahanayak", Uttam Kumar remains one of the most celebrated figures in Indian cinema. Born on September 3, 1926, as Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay, he left an unforgettable mark on Bengali films through a remarkable career spanning decades.


PM Modi pays tribute to Mahanayak Uttam Kumar on his birth centenary

Former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker Ashis Banerjee was found dead at a TMC party office in Birbhum's Rampurhat on Sunday morning. Police recovered a purported suicide note from the scene, though its authenticity hasn't been independently verified. Banerjee, a five-time MLA who once held ministerial portfolios under Mamata Banerjee's government, had lost his Rampurhat seat to BJP in this year's Assembly elections. His body has been sent for post-mortem, and police are examining the circumstances surrounding his death.


Former Bengal deputy speaker Ashis Banerjee found dead at TMC office in Birbhum

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing an existential crisis following the resignation of former West Bengal Finance Minister and state party president, Chandrima Bhattacharya. Her departure, which occurred on Saturday, July 4, 2026, marks another major blow to Mamata Banerjee’s leadership in the wake of the party’s crushing defeat in the 2026 Assembly elections.  


Bengal minister BJP leader claims TMC no longer exists after 'wave of resignations'

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a massive leadership crisis as internal infighting reaches a boiling point. Senior leader and West Bengal State President Chandrima Bhattacharya has resigned from all party posts, citing hurt over accusations from Mamata Banerjee regarding her handling of the party headquarters.

Mamata aide resigns as TMC state Prez, Mamata set to assume key post 

Tensions have escalated in West Bengal following the Assembly elections, with the BJP and TMC trading allegations as incidents of post-poll violence emerge from several districts. Reports of clashes, arson, and intimidation have surfaced, prompting security forces to step in to restore order. Political leaders from both sides have accused each other of orchestrating the violence, while authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and investigate the incidents.


Bengal Elections: BJP, TMC Trade Charges As Post-Poll Violence Erupts in Bengal

Nearly 90 per cent of the 3.60 crore electorate turned out to vote in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections on Thursday, with high participation recorded alongside sporadic violence and allegations linked to voter list revisions.
Turnout stood at 89.93 per cent by 5 pm across 16 districts where polling began at 7 am, covering 152 constituencies and deciding the fate of 1,478 candidates, including 167 women, in the 294-member Assembly. With voting continuing till 6 pm, observers said the final turnout could cross 95 per cent.

West Bengal Goes To Polls: After Phase I, All Eyes On Phase II 

Tensions rise as thousands of Bangladesh nationals are fleeing to Bangladesh from West Bengal, fearing the Election Commission's ongoing Sir Drive. This unprecedented migration is sparking concerns about border security and the political implications in both regions.

Bengal Border Exodus: Thousands of Bangladesh Nationals Flee West Bengal

The Trinamul Congress on Friday launched a blistering attack on the BJP after Karnataka MP Vishweshwara Kageri claimed that India’s National Anthem Jana Gana Mana was composed to please the British.


Bengal State Anthem 'Banglar Mati' To Be Sung At All Government Schools

West Bengal came alive in a breathtaking celebration of Diwali and Kali Puja 2025, as temples, homes, and community pandals lit up across the state.
From the historic Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata to the dazzling streets of Barasat and Naihati, devotees gathered in large numbers to offer prayers and watch fireworks illuminate the night sky.

Bengal Glows With Kali Puja & Diwali Lights | Temples, Terraces, Streets Shine Bright 

The outbreak of violence in West Bengal&rsquo;s Murshidabad, which borders Bangladesh, saw several shops, homes, and vehicles being torched after protests against the Waqf law turned violent and resulted in three deaths. A large number of locals fled when violence broke out in the Muslim-majority district on April 11. The violence-hit areas are limping back to normalcy after the deployment of central forces on the orders of the Calcutta High Court, but the unrest spilled over to the South 24 Parganas district on Monday when a protest led by the India Secular Front (ISF) turned violent. More than 210 arrests have been made, and police claim the situation is normalising, but locals who fled are still in fear and unsure of returning when they recall the horrific scenes they had witnessed. &ldquo;The mob set fire to our neighbour&rsquo;s house and pelted stones at ours. My parents and I hid inside and left in the evening when the mob was gone, as BSF had started patrolling by then. We only have the clothes we&rsquo;re wearing. We somehow reached the ghat with the help of BSF,&rdquo; said a woman. &ldquo;It was dark; we got on a boat and crossed the river. A family in the village on the other side gave us shelter for the night. The next day, we came to this shelter in school,&rdquo; she added.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9ik9q18-s2hmk1w7-c8k0lzs5">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Murshidabad, West Bengal: Khusbhu Das, a resident of Dhuliyan, says, "Both our shops and house were burnt. Everything was vandalized. We called the police and fire brigade to douse the fire, but no one picked up our calls. We want a permanent camp (of the BSF) here so&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/BUatLHRFta">https://t.co/BUatLHRFta</a> <a href="https://t.co/xySeh0waWL">pic.twitter.com/xySeh0waWL</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1911780791421395434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
&ldquo;We have become refugees in our own land. We are now at the mercy of others,&rdquo; the lady said, adding they fear returning, as what would happen if they attacked again.
Many families that fled from Suti, Dhulian, and Samaherganj are living in a shelter set up at a local school.
Many narrated the series of events that forced them to flee and save their lives when the mob ran riot. The mob ransacked homes, and many of the displaced families were left with nothing to carry along when fleeing.
The local administration has provided essential supplies, but the longing to return home is still crackling.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/increase-your-security-ayodhyas-ram-mandir-trust-receives-bomb-threat-via-email-8965087">&lsquo;Increase your security&rsquo;: Ayodhya&rsquo;s Ram Mandir trust receives bomb threat via email</a>
A resident of the violence-hit Dhuliyan area told ANI, &ldquo;They (rioters) burnt down our grocery shop. They set our house on fire. We kept calling the police and fire brigade, but no one picked up the calls. They looted our homes and misbehaved with the women. We want a permanent camp (of the BSF) here so that this does not happen again. We want to live peacefully.&rdquo; Birendra Kumar Sharma, CRPF Inspector General for West Bengal, said the situation in the district is tense but under control. Eight CRPF companies, including 4 RAF companies, have been deployed in the area, he said. &ldquo;Wherever we have gone, they are asking the forces to establish permanent camps,&rdquo; he added.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ongoing-tariff-war-china-accuses-us-of-cyberattacks-issues-arrest-warrants-for-3-nsa-agents-8964606" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amid ongoing tariff war, China accuses US of cyberattacks, issues arrest warrants for 3 NSA &lsquo;agents&rsquo;</a> The violence has sparked a political row in the state where assembly polls are due next year. The ruling Trinamool Congress accuses the BJP of fomenting trouble, while the BJP says that Mamata Banerjee&rsquo;s &ldquo;appeasement politics&rdquo; has emboldened radical elements. An initial probe into the massive violence over the Waqf law has revealed the involvement of Bangladeshi miscreants, said an India Today report, citing sources. West Bengal has over 80,480 Waqf properties&mdash;second only to Uttar Pradesh&rsquo;s 2.2 lakh.
&nbsp;
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India News: More than 210 arrests have been made, and police claim the situation is normalising, but locals who fled are still in fear and unsure of returning when they recall the horrific scenes they had witnessed.

The outbreak of violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad, which borders Bangladesh, saw several shops, homes, and vehicles being torched after protests against the Waqf law turned violent and resulted in three deaths. A large number of locals fled when violence broke out in the Muslim-majority district on April 11. The violence-hit areas are limping back to normalcy after the deployment of central forces on the orders of the Calcutta High Court, but the unrest spilled over to the South 24 Parganas district on Monday when a protest led by the India Secular Front (ISF) turned violent. More than 210 arrests have been made, and police claim the situation is normalising, but locals who fled are still in fear and unsure of returning when they recall the horrific scenes they had witnessed. “The mob set fire to our neighbour’s house and pelted stones at ours. My parents and I hid inside and left in the evening when the mob was gone, as BSF had started patrolling by then. We only have the clothes we’re wearing. We somehow reached the ghat with the help of BSF,” said a woman. “It was dark; we got on a boat and crossed the river. A family in the village on the other side gave us shelter for the night. The next day, we came to this shelter in school,” she added. #WATCH | Murshidabad, West Bengal: Khusbhu Das, a resident of Dhuliyan, says, "Both our shops and house were burnt. Everything was vandalized. We called the police and fire brigade to douse the fire, but no one picked up our calls. We want a permanent camp (of the BSF) here so… https://t.co/BUatLHRFta pic.twitter.com/xySeh0waWL — ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2025 “We have become refugees in our own land. We are now at the mercy of others,” the lady said, adding they fear returning, as what would happen if they attacked again. Many families that fled from Suti, Dhulian, and Samaherganj are living in a shelter set up at a local school. Many narrated the series of events that forced them to flee and save their lives when the mob ran riot. The mob ransacked homes, and many of the displaced families were left with nothing to carry along when fleeing. The local administration has provided essential supplies, but the longing to return home is still crackling. Also Read | ‘Increase your security’: Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir trust receives bomb threat via email A resident of the violence-hit Dhuliyan area told ANI, “They (rioters) burnt down our grocery shop. They set our house on fire. We kept calling the police and fire brigade, but no one picked up the calls. They looted our homes and misbehaved with the women. We want a permanent camp (of the BSF) here so that this does not happen again. We want to live peacefully.” Birendra Kumar Sharma, CRPF Inspector General for West Bengal, said the situation in the district is tense but under control. Eight CRPF companies, including 4 RAF companies, have been deployed in the area, he said. “Wherever we have gone, they are asking the forces to establish permanent camps,” he added. Also Read | Amid ongoing tariff war, China accuses US of cyberattacks, issues arrest warrants for 3 NSA ‘agents’ The violence has sparked a political row in the state where assembly polls are due next year. The ruling Trinamool Congress accuses the BJP of fomenting trouble, while the BJP says that Mamata Banerjee’s “appeasement politics” has emboldened radical elements. An initial probe into the massive violence over the Waqf law has revealed the involvement of Bangladeshi miscreants, said an India Today report, citing sources. West Bengal has over 80,480 Waqf properties—second only to Uttar Pradesh’s 2.2 lakh.

Bengal violence: Families recall Murshidabad horror, say, ‘We have become refugees in our own land’

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was recently spotted jogging at London&rsquo;s Hyde Park. She is currently on a trip to the UK for investment purposes and is expected to meet with industrialists on Tuesday (Mar 25)
In the video shared by the chief minister&rsquo;s X handle, Banerjee can be seen jogging in Hyde Park wearing a white saree and white slippers. She was accompanied by TMC member Kunal Ghosh, who also shared the videos from their outing in London.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foul-play-planning-failure-or-net-zero-disaster-what-caused-total-shutdown-of-londons-heathrow-airport-8877635">&lsquo;Foul play&rsquo;, &lsquo;planning failure&rsquo; or net zero disaster? What caused total shutdown of London&rsquo;s Heathrow&nbsp;Airport</a>
Banerjee was praised by netizens for her discipline and energy as she jogs at one of the most famous locations in London while those accompanying her struggle to keep up with her fast pace.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Bengal and Britain share a relationship that spans centuries, rooted in history, culture, and commerce. As we landed in London yesterday, we stepped into a city that, much like Kolkata, carries the weight of its past while embracing the dynamism of the present. Before the day&rsquo;s&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/xNx4tZ0crl">pic.twitter.com/xNx4tZ0crl</a>
&mdash; Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/1904186610553442705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Bengal CM arrived in London on Sunday (Mar 23) for her official visit aimed at strengthening her state&rsquo;s ties with Britain. She is also scheduled to give a lecture at Oxford University on Thursday (Mar 27).
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/contained-version-of-911-why-is-london-heathrow-airports-closure-being-compared-to-darkest-day-in-us-history-8876767">&lsquo;Contained version of 9/11&rsquo;: Why is London Heathrow Airport&rsquo;s closure being compared to darkest day in US history?</a>
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
লন্ডন। সকাল। মুখ্যমন্ত্রী বললেন,' ওয়াক নয়, ওয়ার্ম আপ। হাইড পার্কের ভিডিও।' একটু পরে হাইকমিশনে যাওয়া। <a href="https://t.co/do6JsmeHtO">pic.twitter.com/do6JsmeHtO</a>
&mdash; Kunal Ghosh (@KunalGhoshAgain) <a href="https://twitter.com/KunalGhoshAgain/status/1904165339996557542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>&lsquo;Relationship that spans centuries&rsquo;</h2>
&ldquo;Bengal and Britain share a relationship that spans centuries, rooted in history, culture, and commerce. As we landed in London yesterday, we stepped into a city that, much like Kolkata, carries the weight of its past while embracing the dynamism of the present,&rdquo; she wrote on X.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-didnt-ban-holi-west-bengal-mos-denies-claim-saying-mamata-banerjee-banned-holi-celebration-at-santiniketan-8851181">'We didn't ban Holi': West Bengal MoS denies claim, says Mamata Banerjee banned Holi celebration at Santiniketan</a>
&ldquo;Before the day&rsquo;s engagements commenced, I took a moment to immerse myself in the essence of London&rsquo;s timeless grandeur. From its iconic landmarks to its storied streets, the city exudes an old-world charm that speaks of history and evolution &ndash; values that Bengal, too, holds close to its heart,&rdquo; the post read.
Banerjee added, &ldquo;With a packed itinerary ahead, I look forward to deepening Bengal&rsquo;s engagement with Britain and reinforcing our enduring ties.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-cm-yogi-adityanath-slams-mamata-banerjee-over-mrityu-kumbh-remark-8736518">UP CM Yogi Adityanath slams Mamata Banerjee over &lsquo;Mrityu-Kumbh&rsquo; remark</a>
The chief minister is often seen walking long distances during political rallies and public engagements back in Bengal. She appeared committed to her fitness even in a foreign land.
(With inputs from agencies)

India news | Trending | In the video shared by the chief minister’s X handle, Banerjee can be seen jogging in Hyde Park wearing a white saree and white slippers.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was recently spotted jogging at London’s Hyde Park. She is currently on a trip to the UK for investment purposes and is expected to meet with industrialists on Tuesday (Mar 25) In the video shared by the chief minister’s X handle, Banerjee can be seen jogging in Hyde Park wearing a white saree and white slippers. She was accompanied by TMC member Kunal Ghosh, who also shared the videos from their outing in London. Also read | ‘Foul play’, ‘planning failure’ or net zero disaster? What caused total shutdown of London’s Heathrow Airport Banerjee was praised by netizens for her discipline and energy as she jogs at one of the most famous locations in London while those accompanying her struggle to keep up with her fast pace. Bengal and Britain share a relationship that spans centuries, rooted in history, culture, and commerce. As we landed in London yesterday, we stepped into a city that, much like Kolkata, carries the weight of its past while embracing the dynamism of the present. Before the day’s… pic.twitter.com/xNx4tZ0crl — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 24, 2025 The Bengal CM arrived in London on Sunday (Mar 23) for her official visit aimed at strengthening her state’s ties with Britain. She is also scheduled to give a lecture at Oxford University on Thursday (Mar 27). Also read | ‘Contained version of 9/11’: Why is London Heathrow Airport’s closure being compared to darkest day in US history? লন্ডন। সকাল। মুখ্যমন্ত্রী বললেন,' ওয়াক নয়, ওয়ার্ম আপ। হাইড পার্কের ভিডিও।' একটু পরে হাইকমিশনে যাওয়া। pic.twitter.com/do6JsmeHtO — Kunal Ghosh (@KunalGhoshAgain) March 24, 2025 ‘Relationship that spans centuries’ “Bengal and Britain share a relationship that spans centuries, rooted in history, culture, and commerce. As we landed in London yesterday, we stepped into a city that, much like Kolkata, carries the weight of its past while embracing the dynamism of the present,” she wrote on X. Also read | 'We didn't ban Holi': West Bengal MoS denies claim, says Mamata Banerjee banned Holi celebration at Santiniketan “Before the day’s engagements commenced, I took a moment to immerse myself in the essence of London’s timeless grandeur. From its iconic landmarks to its storied streets, the city exudes an old-world charm that speaks of history and evolution – values that Bengal, too, holds close to its heart,” the post read. Banerjee added, “With a packed itinerary ahead, I look forward to deepening Bengal’s engagement with Britain and reinforcing our enduring ties.” Also read | UP CM Yogi Adityanath slams Mamata Banerjee over ‘Mrityu-Kumbh’ remark The chief minister is often seen walking long distances during political rallies and public engagements back in Bengal. She appeared committed to her fitness even in a foreign land. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Mamata Banerjee jogs in white saree, slippers at London’s iconic Hyde Park

Dhaka, Bangladesh
Mahfuj Alam, who holds a key position in the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of Bangladesh, shared a post on social media that had a map that included India's eastern and northeastern territories of Bengal, Assam, and Tripura. However, the post was deleted after around two hours. 
Alam serves as a special aide to the Yunus government and is also an adviser of the interim government. 
He is a key student organiser of the protests in Bangladesh that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/bangladesh/after-weeks-of-denial-bangladesh-finally-admits-88-incidents-of-violence-against-hindus-783111">Also read: After weeks of denial, Bangladesh finally admits 88 incidents of violence against Hindus</a>
Bangladesh Watch, a non-profit organisation, stated that Alam "alleged that #India maintains a "contain" and "ghettoize" policy towards #Bangladesh. He clearly states that 1975 (the coup that saw Sheikh Mujib and almost his entire family killed) and the 2024 protests both came to save Bangladesh from Indian "reliance" and "hegemony"."
"However, he says that to be truly victorious, independent, and liberated, Bangladesh must "come out of its cage" and expand geographically. He adds that their work has just begun," the organisation added. 
Watch | Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Accuses Yunus Of Leading An 'Undemocratic Group'
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During his address at a Clinton Global Initiative event in New York in September, Yunus also introduced Alam as the "mastermind" of the protests that led to the August 5 changeover in Bangladesh.
This comes amid a rise in attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Indian authorities have issued various statements, condemning these attacks. 
Hindus have increasingly come under attack in Bangladesh since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. 
The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, earlier this week acknowledged that at least 88 incidents of violence had occurred against the Hindu community over the last few months.
(With inputs from agencies)

Alam serves as a special aide to the Yunus government and is also an adviser of the interim government. 



Dhaka, Bangladesh Mahfuj Alam, who holds a key position in the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of Bangladesh, shared a post on social media that had a map that included India's eastern and northeastern territories of Bengal, Assam, and Tripura. However, the post was deleted after around two hours. Alam serves as a special aide to the Yunus government and is also an adviser of the interim government. He is a key student organiser of the protests in Bangladesh that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. Also read: After weeks of denial, Bangladesh finally admits 88 incidents of violence against Hindus Bangladesh Watch, a non-profit organisation, stated that Alam "alleged that #India maintains a "contain" and "ghettoize" policy towards #Bangladesh. He clearly states that 1975 (the coup that saw Sheikh Mujib and almost his entire family killed) and the 2024 protests both came to save Bangladesh from Indian "reliance" and "hegemony"." "However, he says that to be truly victorious, independent, and liberated, Bangladesh must "come out of its cage" and expand geographically. He adds that their work has just begun," the organisation added. Watch | Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Accuses Yunus Of Leading An 'Undemocratic Group' × During his address at a Clinton Global Initiative event in New York in September, Yunus also introduced Alam as the "mastermind" of the protests that led to the August 5 changeover in Bangladesh. This comes amid a rise in attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Indian authorities have issued various statements, condemning these attacks. Hindus have increasingly come under attack in Bangladesh since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, earlier this week acknowledged that at least 88 incidents of violence had occurred against the Hindu community over the last few months. (With inputs from agencies)

Yunus' key adviser shares Bangladesh map including India's eastern territories; later deletes post

Mahfuj Alam, who holds a key position in the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of Bangladesh, shared a post on social media that had a map that included India's eastern and northeastern territories of Bengal, Assam, and Tripura. However, the post was deleted after around two hours.&nbsp;

Alam serves as a special aide to the Yunus government and is also an adviser of the interim government.&nbsp;

He is a key student organiser of the protests in Bangladesh that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/bangladesh/after-weeks-of-denial-bangladesh-finally-admits-88-incidents-of-violence-against-hindus-783111">Also read:&nbsp;After weeks of denial, Bangladesh finally admits 88 incidents of violence against Hindus</a>

Bangladesh Watch, a non-profit organisation, stated that Alam "alleged that #India maintains a "contain" and "ghettoize" policy towards #Bangladesh. He clearly states that 1975 (the coup that saw Sheikh Mujib and almost his entire family killed) and the 2024 protests both came to save Bangladesh from Indian "reliance" and "hegemony"."

"However, he says that to be truly victorious, independent, and liberated, Bangladesh must "come out of its cage" and expand geographically. He adds that their work has just begun," the organisation added.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Accuses Yunus Of Leading An 'Undemocratic Group'

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During his address at a Clinton Global Initiative event in New York in September, Yunus also introduced Alam as the "mastermind" of the protests that led to the August 5 changeover in Bangladesh.

This comes amid a rise in attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.&nbsp;Indian authorities have issued various statements, condemning these attacks.&nbsp;

Hindus have increasingly come under attack in Bangladesh since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.&nbsp;

The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, earlier this week acknowledged that at least 88 incidents of violence had occurred against the Hindu community over the last few months.

(With inputs from agencies)

Mahfuj Alam, who holds a key position in the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of Bangladesh, shared a post on social media that had a map that included India's eastern and northeastern territories of Bengal, Assam, and Tripura.

Mahfuj Alam, who holds a key position in the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of Bangladesh, shared a post on social media that had a map that included India's eastern and northeastern territories of Bengal, Assam, and Tripura. However, the post was deleted after around two hours. Alam serves as a special aide to the Yunus government and is also an adviser of the interim government. He is a key student organiser of the protests in Bangladesh that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. Also read: After weeks of denial, Bangladesh finally admits 88 incidents of violence against Hindus Bangladesh Watch, a non-profit organisation, stated that Alam "alleged that #India maintains a "contain" and "ghettoize" policy towards #Bangladesh. He clearly states that 1975 (the coup that saw Sheikh Mujib and almost his entire family killed) and the 2024 protests both came to save Bangladesh from Indian "reliance" and "hegemony"." "However, he says that to be truly victorious, independent, and liberated, Bangladesh must "come out of its cage" and expand geographically. He adds that their work has just begun," the organisation added. Watch | Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Accuses Yunus Of Leading An 'Undemocratic Group' × During his address at a Clinton Global Initiative event in New York in September, Yunus also introduced Alam as the "mastermind" of the protests that led to the August 5 changeover in Bangladesh. This comes amid a rise in attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Indian authorities have issued various statements, condemning these attacks. Hindus have increasingly come under attack in Bangladesh since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, earlier this week acknowledged that at least 88 incidents of violence had occurred against the Hindu community over the last few months. (With inputs from agencies)

Union Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah, while addressing a gathering in Kolkata on Sunday (27 October), declared that the BJP would come to power in Bengal after&nbsp;2026 polls.

"Mamata didi was rejoicing after our seats were reduced (in the Lok Sabha polls). Don't forget, we are a party that had two seats but aimed to remove Article &nbsp;370,” he said.

"There is state-sponsored infiltration in Bengal and the only way to stop this is to elect the BJP in 2026... Instead of Rabindrasangeet, Bengal today is hearing the sound of bombs," he added.

He said, “In 2026, the BJP will form the government with a two-thirds majority.”&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-story/pm-modi-warns-of-rising-digital-arrest-scams-during-mann-ki-baat-broadcast-urges-public-caution-771130">In Mann Ki Baat broadcast, PM Modi warns against rising ‘digital arrest’ cases, urges caution</a>

"I have come to tell the youth of Bengal that if you want to stop the illegal infiltration of foreigners in this country, then the only way is to form BJP government in 2026 in Bengal," Shah said.

According to the PTI news agency, Shah added that "State-sponsored infiltration in Bengal has to be stopped."

Shah also criticised the Mamata administration over the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder incident of&nbsp;August 9.

Taking aim at Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over the Congress party’s enthusiasm following this year’s Lok Sabha results, Shah said that only those who win take the oath as Prime Minister, while those who lose sit in opposition.

“Rahul Gandhi said in Parliament that they defeated us in the Lok Sabha elections. I don't understand why his allies don't explain it to him that those who lose sit in the chair of opposition and who wins, takes the oath as the PM,” Shah said.

This visit marked Amit Shah’s first trip to West Bengal after the April-May parliamentary elections and since the RG Kar incident.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah, while addressing a gathering in Kolkata on Sunday (27 October), declared that the BJP would come to power in Bengal after 2026 polls.

Union Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah, while addressing a gathering in Kolkata on Sunday (27 October), declared that the BJP would come to power in Bengal after 2026 polls. "Mamata didi was rejoicing after our seats were reduced (in the Lok Sabha polls). Don't forget, we are a party that had two seats but aimed to remove Article 370,” he said. "There is state-sponsored infiltration in Bengal and the only way to stop this is to elect the BJP in 2026... Instead of Rabindrasangeet, Bengal today is hearing the sound of bombs," he added. He said, “In 2026, the BJP will form the government with a two-thirds majority.” Also read: In Mann Ki Baat broadcast, PM Modi warns against rising ‘digital arrest’ cases, urges caution "I have come to tell the youth of Bengal that if you want to stop the illegal infiltration of foreigners in this country, then the only way is to form BJP government in 2026 in Bengal," Shah said. According to the PTI news agency, Shah added that "State-sponsored infiltration in Bengal has to be stopped." Shah also criticised the Mamata administration over the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder incident of August 9. Taking aim at Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over the Congress party’s enthusiasm following this year’s Lok Sabha results, Shah said that only those who win take the oath as Prime Minister, while those who lose sit in opposition. “Rahul Gandhi said in Parliament that they defeated us in the Lok Sabha elections. I don't understand why his allies don't explain it to him that those who lose sit in the chair of opposition and who wins, takes the oath as the PM,” Shah said. This visit marked Amit Shah’s first trip to West Bengal after the April-May parliamentary elections and since the RG Kar incident. (With inputs from agencies)

Amit Shah targets Mamata Banerjee, pledges a 'two-thirds BJP majority' in 2026 Bengal polls

Jashimuddin Rahmani, the chief of Islamist outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), who was released after the ouster of former&nbsp;Bangladesh Prime Minister&nbsp;Sheikh Hasina, by the current&nbsp;interim government, has asked the&nbsp;Chief Minister of the Indian state of&nbsp;West Bengal,&nbsp;Mamata Banerjee to "free Bengal from (Prime Minister)&nbsp;Narendra Modi's rule and declare its independence".&nbsp;

Rahmani, the chief of an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist outfit, in a viral video, also warned about&nbsp;"breaking up" India and "hoisting Islamist flags in Delhi".&nbsp;

A Dhaka-based fact checker confirmed&nbsp;that the video of&nbsp;Rahmani which was probably shot in a hospital ward, was genuine, according to&nbsp;India Today Digital.&nbsp;

"We will tell Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal to free Bengal from Modi's rule and declare independence,"&nbsp;Rahmani said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;India-Bangladesh: What's next for India-Bangladesh relations ?

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The video is believed to have been&nbsp;shot in the first week of September as Rahmani referred to it as the "one month of the revolution" of Hasina's ouster in the video.&nbsp;

The "revolution" was a reference to the protests in Bangladesh that ended on August 5 after the ousted Bangladesh PM&nbsp;fled the country following her resignation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladeshs-interim-govt-frees-chief-of-terror-group-linked-to-al-qaeda-753826">Also read:&nbsp;Bangladesh’s interim government frees chief of terror group linked to al-Qaeda</a>

Chief of ABT, Rahmani, was jailed for five years for murdering a blogger in 2013. He was later released on parole in August, weeks after a military-backed interim government took charge under Muhammad Yunus.&nbsp;

Rahmani, who has links to Pakistan-based terrorist groups, called for the secession of West Bengal while vowing support for separatist movements across India.&nbsp;

He further warned India against any aggressive actions towards Bangladesh.&nbsp;

"Bangladesh is not like Sikkim or Bhutan. It is a country of 18 crore Muslims," he said, adding that any provocation would result in strategic retaliation.

<h2>Will ask 'China to close chicken's neck': Rahmani warns</h2>

Chief of ABT warned that he would ask&nbsp;for China's help in cutting off India's northeastern states by cutting the Siliguri corridor, often referred to as the "chicken's neck", a 20-kilometre narrow stretch, connecting the northeastern region to the rest of India.&nbsp;

"If you take a step towards Bangladesh, we will ask China to close the chicken's neck (Siliguri corridor). We will tell the Seven Sisters (Northeastern states) to join the freedom movement," he added.&nbsp;

This comes at a time when West Bengal is facing major political turmoil following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.&nbsp;

<h2>Rahmani seeks Pakistan, and Afghanistan's assistance 'to liberate Kashmir'</h2>

The chief of ABT, who has openly supported al-Qaeda in the past, has sought assistance from Pakistan and Afghanistan to "liberate Kashmir" and further advocated for Khalistan.&nbsp;

"Tell Kashmir to get ready for freedom. Pakistan and Afghanistan together will help Kashmir gain independence. We will work for the freedom of Kashmir," he said.

He added, "Stay away from Hasina, she herself is rotten, and she will spoil you too. I will tell India not to dance around with Hasina"&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Jashimuddin Rahmani, the chief of Islamist outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), who was released after the ouster of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, by the current interim government, has asked the Chief Minister of the Indian state of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee to "free Bengal from (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi's rule and declare its independence".

Jashimuddin Rahmani, the chief of Islamist outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), who was released after the ouster of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, by the current interim government, has asked the Chief Minister of the Indian state of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee to "free Bengal from (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi's rule and declare its independence". Rahmani, the chief of an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist outfit, in a viral video, also warned about "breaking up" India and "hoisting Islamist flags in Delhi". A Dhaka-based fact checker confirmed that the video of Rahmani which was probably shot in a hospital ward, was genuine, according to India Today Digital. "We will tell Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal to free Bengal from Modi's rule and declare independence," Rahmani said. Watch | India-Bangladesh: What's next for India-Bangladesh relations ? × The video is believed to have been shot in the first week of September as Rahmani referred to it as the "one month of the revolution" of Hasina's ouster in the video. The "revolution" was a reference to the protests in Bangladesh that ended on August 5 after the ousted Bangladesh PM fled the country following her resignation. Also read: Bangladesh’s interim government frees chief of terror group linked to al-Qaeda Chief of ABT, Rahmani, was jailed for five years for murdering a blogger in 2013. He was later released on parole in August, weeks after a military-backed interim government took charge under Muhammad Yunus. Rahmani, who has links to Pakistan-based terrorist groups, called for the secession of West Bengal while vowing support for separatist movements across India. He further warned India against any aggressive actions towards Bangladesh. "Bangladesh is not like Sikkim or Bhutan. It is a country of 18 crore Muslims," he said, adding that any provocation would result in strategic retaliation. Will ask 'China to close chicken's neck': Rahmani warns Chief of ABT warned that he would ask for China's help in cutting off India's northeastern states by cutting the Siliguri corridor, often referred to as the "chicken's neck", a 20-kilometre narrow stretch, connecting the northeastern region to the rest of India. "If you take a step towards Bangladesh, we will ask China to close the chicken's neck (Siliguri corridor). We will tell the Seven Sisters (Northeastern states) to join the freedom movement," he added. This comes at a time when West Bengal is facing major political turmoil following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Rahmani seeks Pakistan, and Afghanistan's assistance 'to liberate Kashmir' The chief of ABT, who has openly supported al-Qaeda in the past, has sought assistance from Pakistan and Afghanistan to "liberate Kashmir" and further advocated for Khalistan. "Tell Kashmir to get ready for freedom. Pakistan and Afghanistan together will help Kashmir gain independence. We will work for the freedom of Kashmir," he said. He added, "Stay away from Hasina, she herself is rotten, and she will spoil you too. I will tell India not to dance around with Hasina" (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh terrorist linked to al-Qaeda asks CM Mamata to 'free Bengal from Modi's rule'

West Bengal Lok Sabha Election Result 2024: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress won 29 out of the total 42 seats in the eastern state of West Bengal.

West Bengal Lok Sabha Election Result 2024: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress won 29 out of the total 42 seats in the eastern state of West Bengal. BJP won 12 seats while Congress won just one seat. West Bengal has been described as one of the 'growth areas' for the ruling BJP where its vote share is surging since 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi first stormed into power in New Delhi. While the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee — who is the state CM since her party first broke through the former Leftist bastion in 2011 — won 34 of 42 seats in 2014, it could win just 22 in 2019. The BJP's graph rose from just two seats in 2014 to 18 in 2019. Congress party's graph declined from 4 seats in 2014 to just 2 in 2019, while the Communist Party of India (Marxist) went from 2 seats in 2014 to 0 in 2019. West Bengal Lok Sabha Election Result 2024: Full List of Candidates Lok Sabha Constituency INDIA Party INDIA Candidates BJP/NDA Party BJP/NDA Candidates AITC Party AITC Candidates Cooch Behar (SC) AIFB Nitish Chandra Roy[d] BJP Nisith Pramanik AITC Jagadish Chandra Basunia Alipurduars (ST) RSP Mili Oraon BJP Manoj Tigga AITC Prakash Chik Baraik Jalpaiguri (SC) CPI(M) Debraj Barman BJP Jayanta Kumar Roy AITC Nirmal Chandra Roy Darjeeling INC Munish Tamang BJP Raju Bista AITC Gopal Lama Raiganj INC Ali Imran Ramz (Victor) BJP Kartick Paul AITC Krishna Kalyani Balurghat RSP Jaydeb Siddhanta BJP Sukanta Majumdar AITC Biplab Mitra Maldaha Uttar INC Mostaque Alam BJP Khagen Murmu AITC Prasun Banerjee Maldaha Dakshin INC Isha Khan Choudhury BJP Sreerupa Mitra Chaudhury AITC Shahnawaz Ali Raihan Jangipur INC Mortaza Hossain Bokul BJP Dhananjay Ghosh AITC Khalilur Rahaman Baharampur INC Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury BJP Nirmal Kumar Saha AITC Yusuf Pathan Murshidabad CPI(M) Mohammed Salim BJP Gouri Shankar Ghosh AITC Abu Taher Khan Krishnanagar CPI(M) S. M. Saadi BJP Amrita Roy AITC Mahua Moitra Ranaghat (SC) CPI(M) Alokesh Das BJP Jagannath Sarkar AITC Mukut Mani Adhikari Bangaon (SC) INC Pradip Biswas BJP Shantanu Thakur AITC Biswajit Das Barrackpur CPI(M) Debdut Ghosh BJP Arjun Singh AITC Partha Bhowmick Dum Dum CPI(M) Sujan Chakraborty BJP Shilbhadra Dutta AITC Saugata Roy Barasat AIFB Sanjib Chatterjee BJP Swapan Majumder AITC Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar Basirhat CPI(M) Nirapada Sardar BJP Rekha Patra AITC Haji Nurul Islam Jaynagar (SC) RSP Samarendra Nath Mandal BJP Ashok Kandari AITC Pratima Mondal Mathurapur (SC) CPI(M) Sarat Chandra Haldar BJP Ashok Purkait AITC Bapi Halder Diamond Harbour CPI(M) Pratik Ur Rahaman BJP Abhijit Das (Bobby) AITC Abhishek Banerjee Jadavpur CPI(M) Srijan Bhattacharyya BJP Anirban Ganguly AITC Saayoni Ghosh Kolkata Dakshin CPI(M) Saira Shah Halim BJP Debasree Chaudhuri AITC Mala Roy Kolkata Uttar INC Pradip Bhattacharya BJP Tapas Roy AITC Sudip Bandyopadhyay Howrah CPI(M) Sabyasachi Chatterjee BJP Rathin Chakraborty AITC Prasun Banerjee Uluberia INC Azahar Mallick BJP Arun Uday Paul Chowdhury AITC Sajda Ahmed Serampore CPI(M) Dipsita Dhar BJP Kabir Sankar Bose AITC Kalyan Banerjee Hooghly CPI(M) Monodip Ghosh BJP Locket Chatterjee AITC Rachna Banerjee Arambagh (SC) CPI(M) Biplab Kumar Moitra BJP Arup Kanti Digar AITC Mitali Bag Tamluk CPI(M) Sayan Banerjee BJP Abhijit Gangopadhyay AITC Debangshu Bhattacharya Kanthi INC BJP Soumendu Adhikari AITC Uttam Barik Ghatal CPI Tapan Ganguly BJP Hiran Chatterjee AITC Deepak Adhikari (Dev) Jhargram (ST) CPI(M) Sonamoni Murmu (Tudu) BJP Pranat Tudu AITC Kalipada Soren Medinipur CPI Biplab Bhatta BJP Agnimitra Paul AITC June Malia Purulia INC Nepal Mahato[e] BJP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato AITC Santiram Mahato Bankura CPI(M) Nilanjan Dasgupta BJP Subhas Sarkar AITC Arup Chakraborty Bishnupur (SC) CPI(M) Shital Kaibartya BJP Saumitra Khan AITC Sujata Mondal Bardhaman Purba (SC) CPI(M) Nirav Kha BJP Ashim Kumar Sarkar AITC Sharmila Sarkar Bardhaman-Durgapur CPI(M) Sukriti Ghosal BJP Dilip Ghosh AITC Kirti Azad Asansol CPI(M) Jahanara Khan BJP S. S. Ahluwalia AITC Shatrughan Sinha Bolpur (SC) CPI(M) Shyamali Pradhan BJP Priya Saha AITC Asit Kumar Mal Birbhum INC Milton Rashid BJP Debashish Dhar AITC Satabdi Roy West Bengal Lok Sabha Election Result 2024 Winner List Partywise Lok Sabha Constituency Winner Party Cooch Behar (SC) Nisith Pramanik BJP Alipurduars (ST) Manoj Tigga BJP Jalpaiguri (SC) Dr Jayanta Kumar Roy BJP Darjeeling Raju Bista BJP Raiganj Kartick Chandra Paul BJP Balurghat Sukanta Majumdar BJP Maldaha Uttar Khagen Murmu BJP Maldaha Dakshin Isha Khan Choudhury INC Jangipur Khalilur Rahaman AITC Baharampur Pathan Yusuf AITC Murshidabad Abu Taher Khan AITC Krishnanagar Mahua Moitra AITC Ranaghat (SC) Jagannath Sarkar BJP Bangaon (SC) Shantanu Thakur BJP Barrackpur Partha Bhowmick AITC Dum Dum Sougata Ray AITC Barasat Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar AITC Basirhat SK Nurul Islam AITC Jaynagar (SC) Pratima Mondal AITC Mathurapur (SC) Bapi Haldar AITC Diamond Harbour Abhishek Banerjee AITC Jadavpur Sayani Ghosh AITC Kolkata Dakshin Mala Roy AITC Kolkata Uttar Bandyopadhyay Sudip AITC Howrah Prasun Banerjee AITC Uluberia Sajda Ahmed AITC Serampore Kalyan Banerjee AITC Hooghly Rachna Banerjee AITC Arambagh (SC) Bag Mitali AITC Tamluk Abhijit Gangopadhyay BJP Kanthi Adhikari Soumendu BJP Ghatal Adhikari Deepak (Dev) AITC Jhargram (ST) Kalipada Saren (Kherwal) AITC Medinipur June Maliah AITC Purulia Jyotirmay Singh Mahato BJP Bankura Arup Chakraborty AITC Bishnupur (SC) Khan Saumitra BJP Bardhaman Purba (SC) Dr. Sharmila Sarkar AITC Bardhaman-Durgapur Azad Kirti Jha AITC Asansol Shatrughan Prasad Sinha AITC Bolpur (SC) Asit Kumar Mal AITC Birbhum Satabdi Roy AITC Note: This is an updating copy and changes will be made as per new updates. (With inputs from agencies)

West Bengal Lok Sabha Election Result 2024: TMC wins 29 seats, BJP 12, Congress gets 1

Reacting to the cache of ammunition seized by CBI from West Bengal's Sandeshkhali, the ruling Trinamool Congress raised suspicions that the bombs could have been planted by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or National Security Guard (NSG) commandos.&nbsp;The allegation&nbsp;follows closely on the heels of a CBI raid on locations tied to individuals suspected in the January 5 assault on an Enforcement Directorate team in which several officials were injured in Sandeshkhali when they set out to raid TMC leader Shah Jahan Sheikh's residence.

The party in a letter to the Election Commission of India on Friday (Apr 26) evening wrote, "It is astonishing to notice that media personnel were already present during such the raid even before the state administration arrived at the spot."

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-mamata-banerjee-suffers-injury-after-she-fell-while-boarding-helicopter-715678">&nbsp;Mamata Banerjee suffers injury after she fell while boarding helicopter</a>

"At such point in time, it was already nationwide news that weapons had been recovered during the raid. There is no way of knowing with certainty, as to whether these weapons were indeed recovered during the search and seizure procedure or whether they were surreptitiously planted by the CBI/NSG," the letter further read.

With the Lok Sabha elections going on, TMC&nbsp;raised a complaint with the ECI alleging that the CBI is trying to thwart the campaign of the opposition parties with the help of other central agencies.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-army-mobilised-as-massive-forest-fire-engulfs-nainitals-high-court-colony-715616">India: Army mobilised as massive forest fire engulfs Nainital's High Court colony</a>

After the Calcutta High Court instructed the CBI to investigate accusations of extortion and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali involving Sheikh Shahjahan, who after evading law enforcement for almost two months got arrested in March, the Bengal government has taken the matter to the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/interglobe-to-introduce-electric-air-taxis-in-india-715642">InterGlobe to introduce electric air taxis in India</a>

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Lamenting further, TMC to the poll body wrote, "Your office has turned a blind eye while Central probe agencies continue to wreak havoc across the nation, especially during the election period."

"The BJP compromised the sanctity of the ensuing elections by spreading a sense of terror amongst the electorate, thereby attempting to gain an undue advantage..." it further added.

Among the weapons seized by CBI were three foreign-made revolvers, one Indian revolver, one colt official police revolver, one foreign-made pistol, one country made pistol, nine mm bullets- 120 nos,&nbsp;.45 calibre cartridges – 50 nos, 9 mm calibre cartridges-120 nos,&nbsp;.380 cartridges -50 nos, and&nbsp;.32 cartridges- 08 nos.&nbsp;

Reacting to the cache of ammunition seized by CBI from West Bengal's Sandeshkhali, the ruling Trinamool Congress raised suspicions that the bombs could have been planted by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or National Security Guard (NSG) commandos.

Reacting to the cache of ammunition seized by CBI from West Bengal's Sandeshkhali, the ruling Trinamool Congress raised suspicions that the bombs could have been planted by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or National Security Guard (NSG) commandos. The allegation follows closely on the heels of a CBI raid on locations tied to individuals suspected in the January 5 assault on an Enforcement Directorate team in which several officials were injured in Sandeshkhali when they set out to raid TMC leader Shah Jahan Sheikh's residence. The party in a letter to the Election Commission of India on Friday (Apr 26) evening wrote, "It is astonishing to notice that media personnel were already present during such the raid even before the state administration arrived at the spot." Also Read | Mamata Banerjee suffers injury after she fell while boarding helicopter "At such point in time, it was already nationwide news that weapons had been recovered during the raid. There is no way of knowing with certainty, as to whether these weapons were indeed recovered during the search and seizure procedure or whether they were surreptitiously planted by the CBI/NSG," the letter further read. With the Lok Sabha elections going on, TMC raised a complaint with the ECI alleging that the CBI is trying to thwart the campaign of the opposition parties with the help of other central agencies. Also Read | India: Army mobilised as massive forest fire engulfs Nainital's High Court colony After the Calcutta High Court instructed the CBI to investigate accusations of extortion and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali involving Sheikh Shahjahan, who after evading law enforcement for almost two months got arrested in March, the Bengal government has taken the matter to the Supreme Court. Watch | InterGlobe to introduce electric air taxis in India × Lamenting further, TMC to the poll body wrote, "Your office has turned a blind eye while Central probe agencies continue to wreak havoc across the nation, especially during the election period." "The BJP compromised the sanctity of the ensuing elections by spreading a sense of terror amongst the electorate, thereby attempting to gain an undue advantage..." it further added. Among the weapons seized by CBI were three foreign-made revolvers, one Indian revolver, one colt official police revolver, one foreign-made pistol, one country made pistol, nine mm bullets- 120 nos, .45 calibre cartridges – 50 nos, 9 mm calibre cartridges-120 nos, .380 cartridges -50 nos, and .32 cartridges- 08 nos.

TMC claims ammunition seized by CBI in Sandeshkhali could have been planted

A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was attacked on Saturday morning in Bhupatinagar, West Bengal's East Midnapore district, while investigating a 2022 blast at a Trinamool Congress leader's house. Watch to learn more.

India: NIA officials attacked villagers, not other way round: West Bengal CM Mamata

During a raid conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the East Medinipur district of West Bengal on Saturday (Apr 6), officers of the agency were attacked by locals&nbsp; and one of them sustained injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This tumultuous turn of events took place during the operation when the officers sought to arrest the suspects involved in the 2022 Bhupatinagar bomb blast case.

The explosion at the time killed three individuals in Naruabilla village. It is pertinent to note that initially the case was investigated by the West Bengal Police but was later transferred to the NIA.

The transfer of the case to NIA took place following a petition urging the inclusion of relevant sections of the Explosive Substances Act, which was earlier not initiated. The plea was filed in the Calcutta High Court.

NIA nabbed Manobrata Jana and Balai Charan Maity who were allegedly involved in a conspiracy to manufacture and detonate crude bombs.&nbsp;

When the NIA team reached to arrest the two, they encountered resistance from locals and women of the region leading to one NIA officer sustaining injuries.

The arrest came after extensive searches at five different locations. The search was also carried out at Jana's residence.

When the team was scurrying through the area, the officials&nbsp;faced unexpected and "stiff resistance" from an "unruly" mob. Later, the situation rapidly deteriorated as the mob assaulted NIA officers.

The people also caused damage to property and attacked a vehicle's windscreen.&nbsp;

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The violent&nbsp;attack by the locals led the NIA to file a complaint at the local police station regarding the incident.

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The situation escalated further as a substantial police contingent was dispatched to the scene to restore order. One video has gained much attention where women could be seen sitting on the floor with bamboo sticks in their hands and engaging in a verbal spat with the officials.&nbsp;

The agency came under attack when the accused involved in the 2022 blast case were nabbed and the officials were on their way back to Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal.&nbsp;

<h2>West Bengal CM</h2>

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the NIA's actions and alleged that the central agencies are biased towards the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"Why did they raid at midnight? Did they have police permission? Locals reacted in the way they would have if any other stranger had visited the place at midnight. Why are they arresting people right before the elections? What does the BJP think, that they will arrest every booth agent? What right does NIA have? They are doing all these to support the BJP. We call upon the entire world to fight against this BJP's dirty politics,"&nbsp;questioned Banerjee.&nbsp;

"We want the Election Commission to work impartially, not turn into a BJP-run commission," she added.

Earlier, in a similar stance, three Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers sustained injuries when a mob vandalised their vehicles during a raid on the residence of TMC (Trinamool Congress) leader Shahjahan Sheikh.

(With inputs from agencies)

During a raid conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the East Medinipur district of West Bengal on Saturday (Apr 6), officers of the agency were attacked by locals and one of them sustained injuries.

During a raid conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the East Medinipur district of West Bengal on Saturday (Apr 6), officers of the agency were attacked by locals and one of them sustained injuries. This tumultuous turn of events took place during the operation when the officers sought to arrest the suspects involved in the 2022 Bhupatinagar bomb blast case. The explosion at the time killed three individuals in Naruabilla village. It is pertinent to note that initially the case was investigated by the West Bengal Police but was later transferred to the NIA. The transfer of the case to NIA took place following a petition urging the inclusion of relevant sections of the Explosive Substances Act, which was earlier not initiated. The plea was filed in the Calcutta High Court. NIA nabbed Manobrata Jana and Balai Charan Maity who were allegedly involved in a conspiracy to manufacture and detonate crude bombs. When the NIA team reached to arrest the two, they encountered resistance from locals and women of the region leading to one NIA officer sustaining injuries. The arrest came after extensive searches at five different locations. The search was also carried out at Jana's residence. When the team was scurrying through the area, the officials faced unexpected and "stiff resistance" from an "unruly" mob. Later, the situation rapidly deteriorated as the mob assaulted NIA officers. The people also caused damage to property and attacked a vehicle's windscreen. Also Read | Delhi excise policy case: No relief for Manish Sisodia as his judicial custody gets extended till April 18 The violent attack by the locals led the NIA to file a complaint at the local police station regarding the incident. Also Read | Maldives FM thanks EAM, Indian government for allowing export of essential commodities Watch | India: Rajnath Singh says, 'will enter home of anti-India elements & kill them' × The situation escalated further as a substantial police contingent was dispatched to the scene to restore order. One video has gained much attention where women could be seen sitting on the floor with bamboo sticks in their hands and engaging in a verbal spat with the officials. The agency came under attack when the accused involved in the 2022 blast case were nabbed and the officials were on their way back to Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal. West Bengal CM West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the NIA's actions and alleged that the central agencies are biased towards the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "Why did they raid at midnight? Did they have police permission? Locals reacted in the way they would have if any other stranger had visited the place at midnight. Why are they arresting people right before the elections? What does the BJP think, that they will arrest every booth agent? What right does NIA have? They are doing all these to support the BJP. We call upon the entire world to fight against this BJP's dirty politics," questioned Banerjee. "We want the Election Commission to work impartially, not turn into a BJP-run commission," she added. Earlier, in a similar stance, three Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers sustained injuries when a mob vandalised their vehicles during a raid on the residence of TMC (Trinamool Congress) leader Shahjahan Sheikh. (With inputs from agencies)

NIA team attacked in West Bengal’s East Medinipur during raid, officer injured

In Bengal then Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra is set to skip a summon issued by the enforcement directorate to appear today in a foreign Exchange Management act violation case. Watch in for more details!

India: Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra set to skip ED summon in Forex case

The Trinamool Congress has released its list of 40-star campaigners for phase one of the Lok Sabha polls. Watch to know more!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Abhishek Banerjee, Yusuf Pathan among Trinamool Congress' star campaigners

The Congress on Thursday night announced candidates for eight Lok Sabha seats in Bengal. Watch to know more.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Congress announces candidates for 8 LS seats in Bengal

Several people, including some police personnel, were injured in clashes between supporters of the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal's Cooch Behar district on Tuesday evening. Watch the video to know more.

Bengal: BJP, TMC cadres clash in Cooch Behar

Indian PM Modi meets with women victims from Sandeshkhali village in West Bengal. Indian PM Narendra Modi addressed Nari Shakti Vandan Abhinandan programme in Barasat, West Bengal. Watch here for all details.

Indian PM Modi meets with women victims from Sandeshkhali village in West Bengal

Trinamool Congress Leader Sheikh Shahjahan has been arrested by the West Bengal in the Sandeshkhali violence row. He is accused of sexual atrocities, land grabbing and money laundering. West Bengal's Sandeshkhali has been on the boil for weeks now after several women in the area level sexual assault allegations on the TMC leader and his aides. Two of his associates were arrested earlier this month after protests erupted in the area. Watch to know more!

India: Sandeshkhali accused and TMC neta Shahjahan Sheikh arrested by Bengal police

The BJP on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the chief electoral officer (CEO) of West Bengal alleging approximately 16,00,000&nbsp;fake or duplicate voters in the state and urged the commission to take steps to address the problem.

Leading a delegation of the West Bengal BJP unit, party leader Suvendu Adhikari expressed disappointment with the poll panel's failure to address the issue despite assurances. 
 
"Despite assurances of weeding out duplicate voters, nothing much was achieved. We regret to put on record that practically no steps were taken. There are around 16 lakh duplicate names in the voter list. Most interestingly, the gap between votes polled by the TMC and the BJP in 2019 was around 17 lakh only," he told reporters.

Adhikari, who is the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal assembly, urged the commission to take steps to remove duplicate voters from the electoral rolls.

&nbsp;

The BJP on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the chief electoral officer (CEO) of West Bengal alleging approximately 16,00,000 fake or duplicate voters in the state and urged the commission to take steps to address the problem.

The BJP on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the chief electoral officer (CEO) of West Bengal alleging approximately 16,00,000 fake or duplicate voters in the state and urged the commission to take steps to address the problem. Leading a delegation of the West Bengal BJP unit, party leader Suvendu Adhikari expressed disappointment with the poll panel's failure to address the issue despite assurances. "Despite assurances of weeding out duplicate voters, nothing much was achieved. We regret to put on record that practically no steps were taken. There are around 16 lakh duplicate names in the voter list. Most interestingly, the gap between votes polled by the TMC and the BJP in 2019 was around 17 lakh only," he told reporters. Adhikari, who is the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal assembly, urged the commission to take steps to remove duplicate voters from the electoral rolls.

India: BJP submits memorandum to Bengal's poll panel chief claiming 1.6 million fake voters in state

Manoj Tiwary recently announced his retirement from&nbsp;cricket. Being a big name for the&nbsp;Bengal state team, Tiwary also represented India in 12 ODIs and three T20Is. He announced his retirement from all forms of cricket&nbsp;in August 2023. However, he reversed his decision to play for Bengal in the 2023/24 Ranji Trophy season. Now, he has stepped aside completely and revealed his biggest regret of not representing India in Tests.

Tiwary never found himself&nbsp;as a&nbsp;more permanent member&nbsp;of&nbsp;Team India. Debuting in 2008, the right-hander played his last ODI for India in 2015 and his final&nbsp;T20Is in 2012 but never wore the Test cap. Despite having scored a century in ODIs in late 2011, he&nbsp;was mysteriously benched for months. Now, Tiwary has questioned the then-Indian captain MS Dhoni for dropping him.

<h2>'When self-confidence is at its peak and someone destroys that, then that player is finished'</h2>

Talking to News18, Tiwary said, "When I had completed playing 65 first-class matches, my batting average was around 65. The Australia team had toured India then, and I had scored 130 in Chennai in a friendly game, then I scored 93 against England in a friendly game. I was very close, but they picked Yuvraj Singh instead. So Test cap and the fact that I was ignored after getting the Man of the Match award for scoring a hundred...I was ignored for 14 straight matches. When self-confidence is at its peak and someone destroys that, then that player is finished. Confidence is everything for a player, in any profession."&nbsp;

On being asked who killed that confidence, Tiwary firmly said,&nbsp;"I know the name but I don't want to take it. I am a grown man now. When a player is omitted, it's the decision of the team management."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/englands-bowling-was-massacred-by-young-indian-batters-manjrekars-big-statement-after-rajkot-test-691718">England’s bowling was massacred by young Indian batters - Manjrekar’s big statement after Rajkot Test</a>

<h2>'I would ask why I was dropped when&nbsp;neither Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma or Suresh Raina&nbsp;were scoring runs'</h2>

When the reporter revealed that Dhoni was the captain when he was dropped, Tiwary was quick to point out, "Yes, MS Dhoni was the captain. If I get the opportunity to ask the question, I will ask him why I was dropped from the team after scoring the century, especially in that tour of Australia where nobody was scoring runs, neither Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma or Suresh Raina. I have nothing to lose now."&nbsp;

Tiwary and Dhoni have been teammates even in the Indian Premier League (IPL) when the duo represented the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS). While the right-hander never made it big in the senior team, he has been a force to reckon with in first-class cricket; scoring&nbsp;10,195 runs with 30 centuries at&nbsp;47.86. He represented Bengal for over two decades which included several memorable performances with the bat.

Manoj Tiwary recently announced his retirement from cricket. Being a big name for the Bengal state team, Tiwary also represented India in 12 ODIs and three T20Is.

Manoj Tiwary recently announced his retirement from cricket. Being a big name for the Bengal state team, Tiwary also represented India in 12 ODIs and three T20Is. He announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in August 2023. However, he reversed his decision to play for Bengal in the 2023/24 Ranji Trophy season. Now, he has stepped aside completely and revealed his biggest regret of not representing India in Tests. Tiwary never found himself as a more permanent member of Team India. Debuting in 2008, the right-hander played his last ODI for India in 2015 and his final T20Is in 2012 but never wore the Test cap. Despite having scored a century in ODIs in late 2011, he was mysteriously benched for months. Now, Tiwary has questioned the then-Indian captain MS Dhoni for dropping him. 'When self-confidence is at its peak and someone destroys that, then that player is finished' Talking to News18, Tiwary said, "When I had completed playing 65 first-class matches, my batting average was around 65. The Australia team had toured India then, and I had scored 130 in Chennai in a friendly game, then I scored 93 against England in a friendly game. I was very close, but they picked Yuvraj Singh instead. So Test cap and the fact that I was ignored after getting the Man of the Match award for scoring a hundred...I was ignored for 14 straight matches. When self-confidence is at its peak and someone destroys that, then that player is finished. Confidence is everything for a player, in any profession." On being asked who killed that confidence, Tiwary firmly said, "I know the name but I don't want to take it. I am a grown man now. When a player is omitted, it's the decision of the team management." Also read: England’s bowling was massacred by young Indian batters - Manjrekar’s big statement after Rajkot Test 'I would ask why I was dropped when neither Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma or Suresh Raina were scoring runs' When the reporter revealed that Dhoni was the captain when he was dropped, Tiwary was quick to point out, "Yes, MS Dhoni was the captain. If I get the opportunity to ask the question, I will ask him why I was dropped from the team after scoring the century, especially in that tour of Australia where nobody was scoring runs, neither Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma or Suresh Raina. I have nothing to lose now." Tiwary and Dhoni have been teammates even in the Indian Premier League (IPL) when the duo represented the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS). While the right-hander never made it big in the senior team, he has been a force to reckon with in first-class cricket; scoring 10,195 runs with 30 centuries at 47.86. He represented Bengal for over two decades which included several memorable performances with the bat.

Want to ask him why I was dropped: Manoj Tiwary questions MS Dhoni on Team India snub

Amid the dark depths of the Bay of Bengal, during routine testing and calibration of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle(AUV), a significant clue emerged out of the blue and brought closure to an 8-year-old military aviation mystery, that had claimed the lives of 29 Indian Armed Forces personnel. Based on underwater data collected and analysed by India's National Institute of Ocean Technology(NIOT), Chennai, the Indian Air Force has been able to trace and identify the debris of their Russian-origin An-32 aircraft that had "disappeared" on&nbsp;July 22, 2016, during a routine mission over the Bay of Bengal, off India's east coast.

Recalling how it all unfolded, Dr. G.A. Ramadass, Director, NIOT told WION that the breakthrough finding happened during a deep ocean exploration mission.

"From Kongsberg Maritime, Norway, we procured a sophisticated AUV, Ocean Mineral Explorer 6000, which is capable of functioning fully autonomously, diving to depths of 6kms(6000m) and operating for 48 hours non-stop. We just have to program the vehicle and then it is on its own, until the time it re-surfaces. After it is retrieved, we download the data and study it", he said.

As a coincidence, the vehicle was deployed around the approximate last-known location of the missing aircraft and was recording observations at depths of 3.5 km.&nbsp;

According to him, the NIOT team was not searching for this aircraft that had gone missing eight years ago(for which the massive search had already been abandoned in the same year). However, when they studied the SONAR(Sound Navigation and Ranging) data from the AUV, they noticed strong reflections (indicating the presence of some foreign object on the seafloor).&nbsp;

"Natural objects on the ocean floor have sediments on them and they give very dull SONAR reflections or don't reflect much. However, man-made objects reflect SONAR pings and these reflections give us a clear idea of the presence of foreign objects. The aircraft was not in an intact condition, it was scattered debris. Despite that, we were able to derive adequate data and share it with the Air Force, via the Ministry of Earth Sciences,"&nbsp;Dr S. Ramesh, the Chief Scientist for this operation told WION.

He added that the pre-programmed underwater operation had to be meticulously planned, as they did not have real-time control of the vehicle.&nbsp;

So, the vehicle had to be pre-fed instructions to perform SONAR observations from 30m above the seafloor and imaging observations at 5m above the seafloor, he added. However, the&nbsp;vehicle can only perform in-situ studies and cannot collect or return samples.

On Friday, January 12, 2024, the Indian Defence Ministry announced that the "search images were scrutinised and found to be conforming with an An-32 aircraft". They also reasoned that there was no other recorded history of a missing aircraft report in the same region, and therefore this debris possibly belonged to the crashed IAF An-32 (tail number K-2743). According to the Defence Ministry, the debris was spotted 140nautical miles(approx 310kms) from the Chennai coast.&nbsp;

In the morning hours of July 22,&nbsp;2016, the ill-fated Indian Air Force An-32 plane carrying 29 personnel had taken off from Air Force Station Tambaram, Chennai, on a routine mission to Port Blair, over the Bay of Bengal. As it was flying its 1300kms (approx) journey over the Bay of Bengal, the plane is said to have "disappeared" from radar. Its last-known position was 280 km east of its origin Chennai.

After this incident, the Indian armed forces launched a massive, multi-pronged search and rescue effort, involving ships, submarines and aircraft. With the efforts not yielding results, the search operation had been called off in September of that year, nearly seven weeks after the disappearance.&nbsp;

"Even during the 2016 operation, NIOT had deployed our ships and Remotely Operable Vehicles(ROVs). Back then, we had been carrying out the search from the sea surface using the best assets we had at that time. However, operating SONAR from the surface level does not offer usable results(quality data) at depths of 3000m and more, where we now know that the aircraft is located" Dr&nbsp;Ramadass explained.

Amid the dark depths of the Bay of Bengal, during routine testing and calibration of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle(AUV), a significant clue emerged out of the blue and brought closure to an 8-year-old military aviation mystery, that had claimed the lives of 29 Indian Armed Forces personnel.

Amid the dark depths of the Bay of Bengal, during routine testing and calibration of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle(AUV), a significant clue emerged out of the blue and brought closure to an 8-year-old military aviation mystery, that had claimed the lives of 29 Indian Armed Forces personnel. Based on underwater data collected and analysed by India's National Institute of Ocean Technology(NIOT), Chennai, the Indian Air Force has been able to trace and identify the debris of their Russian-origin An-32 aircraft that had "disappeared" on July 22, 2016, during a routine mission over the Bay of Bengal, off India's east coast. Recalling how it all unfolded, Dr. G.A. Ramadass, Director, NIOT told WION that the breakthrough finding happened during a deep ocean exploration mission. "From Kongsberg Maritime, Norway, we procured a sophisticated AUV, Ocean Mineral Explorer 6000, which is capable of functioning fully autonomously, diving to depths of 6kms(6000m) and operating for 48 hours non-stop. We just have to program the vehicle and then it is on its own, until the time it re-surfaces. After it is retrieved, we download the data and study it", he said. As a coincidence, the vehicle was deployed around the approximate last-known location of the missing aircraft and was recording observations at depths of 3.5 km. According to him, the NIOT team was not searching for this aircraft that had gone missing eight years ago(for which the massive search had already been abandoned in the same year). However, when they studied the SONAR(Sound Navigation and Ranging) data from the AUV, they noticed strong reflections (indicating the presence of some foreign object on the seafloor). "Natural objects on the ocean floor have sediments on them and they give very dull SONAR reflections or don't reflect much. However, man-made objects reflect SONAR pings and these reflections give us a clear idea of the presence of foreign objects. The aircraft was not in an intact condition, it was scattered debris. Despite that, we were able to derive adequate data and share it with the Air Force, via the Ministry of Earth Sciences," Dr S. Ramesh, the Chief Scientist for this operation told WION. He added that the pre-programmed underwater operation had to be meticulously planned, as they did not have real-time control of the vehicle. So, the vehicle had to be pre-fed instructions to perform SONAR observations from 30m above the seafloor and imaging observations at 5m above the seafloor, he added. However, the vehicle can only perform in-situ studies and cannot collect or return samples. On Friday, January 12, 2024, the Indian Defence Ministry announced that the "search images were scrutinised and found to be conforming with an An-32 aircraft". They also reasoned that there was no other recorded history of a missing aircraft report in the same region, and therefore this debris possibly belonged to the crashed IAF An-32 (tail number K-2743). According to the Defence Ministry, the debris was spotted 140nautical miles(approx 310kms) from the Chennai coast. In the morning hours of July 22, 2016, the ill-fated Indian Air Force An-32 plane carrying 29 personnel had taken off from Air Force Station Tambaram, Chennai, on a routine mission to Port Blair, over the Bay of Bengal. As it was flying its 1300kms (approx) journey over the Bay of Bengal, the plane is said to have "disappeared" from radar. Its last-known position was 280 km east of its origin Chennai. After this incident, the Indian armed forces launched a massive, multi-pronged search and rescue effort, involving ships, submarines and aircraft. With the efforts not yielding results, the search operation had been called off in September of that year, nearly seven weeks after the disappearance. "Even during the 2016 operation, NIOT had deployed our ships and Remotely Operable Vehicles(ROVs). Back then, we had been carrying out the search from the sea surface using the best assets we had at that time. However, operating SONAR from the surface level does not offer usable results(quality data) at depths of 3000m and more, where we now know that the aircraft is located" Dr Ramadass explained.

Exclusive: How an Indian Air Force An-32 plane was found in the depths of Bay of Bengal

Intense monsoon rains have caused landslides and floods in several parts of Assam, Sikkim and north Bengal prompting rescue efforts and relief operations by authorities.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for North Bengal and Sikkim.&nbsp;

With the rise in the water level of major rivers in the north-eastern state, the situation worsened on Friday affecting around 67,000 people in 17 districts.

Thousands of people in the Basbari area of Assam's Bongaigaon district were forced to take shelter on roads after flood waters of the Aie River submerged their homes.

The people in the area are facing massive issues including food crisis, drinking water and many of them have become homeless.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday morning said that the authorities were releasing excess water from Kurichu dam in Bhutan.

"The excess water is being carefully redirected through the gates to control the flow. According to reports, the weather in the upstream of the plant has improved since yesterday. Therefore the amount of water coming in may not be huge. We are closely monitoring the situation," Sarma said.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the water level of the Brahmaputra River was flowing above the danger level mark at Dhubri, Neamatighat in Jorhat district, Beki River at Road Bridge, Disang River at Nanglamuraghat in Sivasagar district.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-floods-water-level-of-yamuna-recedes-to-20762-metres-further-rainfall-predicted-615837">Delhi floods: Water level of Yamuna recedes to 207.38 metres, more rain predicted</a>

<h2>Locals fight river erosion in Assam's Bongaigaon district</h2>

The locals of the Basbari area in Assam's Bongaigaon district, are fighting with massive river erosion issues.

As per news agency ANI reports, the Aie River swallowed a market area, as many as 40 houses, one temple, one Mosque and several bighas of agricultural lands.

Naruttam Mazumdar, a resident of the Basbari area told ANI that, in the last two years the people of the area had to face massive problems.

"Around 30-40 families have lost their homes due to river erosion and many of them left this area. My house is also located nearby the river. I am also now fearing that, the river will swallow my house and due to this reason, I am now destroying my house. Where, we will go, where we will live. Maximum villagers of this area are labourers and few villagers are engaged in small business," Naruttam Mazumdar said.

On the other hand, Saddam Hussain, a resident of Basbari village said that people are now facing lots of problems.

"More than 30 houses were submerged due to river erosion. Earlier, the river swallowed the temple, mosque of this area and many bighas of agricultural land. People of this area are now living in fear," Saddam Hussain said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the situation in Assam's Lakhimpur district deteriorated after several new areas were swamped affecting around 60,300 people.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Intense monsoon rains have caused landslides and floods in several parts of Assam, Sikkim and north Bengal prompting rescue efforts and relief operations by authorities.

Intense monsoon rains have caused landslides and floods in several parts of Assam, Sikkim and north Bengal prompting rescue efforts and relief operations by authorities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for North Bengal and Sikkim. With the rise in the water level of major rivers in the north-eastern state, the situation worsened on Friday affecting around 67,000 people in 17 districts. Thousands of people in the Basbari area of Assam's Bongaigaon district were forced to take shelter on roads after flood waters of the Aie River submerged their homes. The people in the area are facing massive issues including food crisis, drinking water and many of them have become homeless. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday morning said that the authorities were releasing excess water from Kurichu dam in Bhutan. "The excess water is being carefully redirected through the gates to control the flow. According to reports, the weather in the upstream of the plant has improved since yesterday. Therefore the amount of water coming in may not be huge. We are closely monitoring the situation," Sarma said. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the water level of the Brahmaputra River was flowing above the danger level mark at Dhubri, Neamatighat in Jorhat district, Beki River at Road Bridge, Disang River at Nanglamuraghat in Sivasagar district. Also read: Delhi floods: Water level of Yamuna recedes to 207.38 metres, more rain predicted Locals fight river erosion in Assam's Bongaigaon district The locals of the Basbari area in Assam's Bongaigaon district, are fighting with massive river erosion issues. As per news agency ANI reports, the Aie River swallowed a market area, as many as 40 houses, one temple, one Mosque and several bighas of agricultural lands. Naruttam Mazumdar, a resident of the Basbari area told ANI that, in the last two years the people of the area had to face massive problems. "Around 30-40 families have lost their homes due to river erosion and many of them left this area. My house is also located nearby the river. I am also now fearing that, the river will swallow my house and due to this reason, I am now destroying my house. Where, we will go, where we will live. Maximum villagers of this area are labourers and few villagers are engaged in small business," Naruttam Mazumdar said. On the other hand, Saddam Hussain, a resident of Basbari village said that people are now facing lots of problems. "More than 30 houses were submerged due to river erosion. Earlier, the river swallowed the temple, mosque of this area and many bighas of agricultural land. People of this area are now living in fear," Saddam Hussain said. Earlier on Tuesday, the situation in Assam's Lakhimpur district deteriorated after several new areas were swamped affecting around 60,300 people. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Intense rains cause floods in Assam, IMD issues red alert for north Bengal and Sikkim

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